Business-Class Flight Tips: How to Stay Productive While Flying

Sure, business class gets you more space and comfort on the plane. But that doesn’t magically transform your cabin into an office. Thin air at altitude makes even billionaire CEOs woozy and groggy, meaning you probably won’t feel totally “with it” up there either. You can focus for longer, but you won’t be quite as bright as when you're at your desk.

The key: expect limited productivity in the air. Plan to do some easy work on the plane, but focus on preparing before departure and completing work after landing.

Set Goals Before Takeoff and Pace Yourself

Lower oxygen levels and low humidity at cruising altitude mean cabin air will tire you out faster than on the ground. Break larger assignments into small goals, and don’t overwhelm yourself. Instead of trying to crank out eight hours of work in flight, for example, start a major project in the lounge before boarding. Filter through supporting documents, review your notes, and plot your course for tackling work in flight. That way you aren’t disappointed when you start losing steam after five hours of flying.

Charge Devices, Prep Work in Airport Lounge

Power outlets can be scarce at 35,000 feet. Plug into your own power outlet at the airport while you're going through security. Your laptop, tablet, and phone shouldn’t have 8-hour batteries, but most flights hope you believe they do. Charge your devices before boarding, then plug in at your seat for the flight. Bonus: pack a universal adapter plug (or multi-plug) to use foreign power outlets overseas.

Lounges also offer unlimited Wi-Fi and comfy desks for preflight prep. As mentioned, use lounge time to knock out easy tasks (replying emails, syncing documents) with reliable internet and a study workspace. Even 15 minutes of productivity before boarding can make a big difference. Charging ahead in the lounge lets you board knowing your tech is ready and you're already in work mode.

Download Files, Prepare to Work Offline

Not all airlines offer inflight Wi-Fi (especially domestically), even for business class travelers. Prepare for the worst: download documents and emails you know you'll need to work on before takeoff. Most documents (Microsoft Office files, Google Docs) can be edited offline, allowing you to work without an internet connection. Airlines may provide Wi--Fi on the flight, but it usually costs money and is often spotty or slow. Conserve your mobile data and only turn it on for essential needs.

If your airline does offer free (or unlimited) inflight Wi-Fi for business class passengers (some like Turkish Airlines or Emirates), use it. You can check emails and quickly send messages without using your offline reserves. Just don't download large files on board: you never know when the internet will drop. Prep for an “offline-flight experience” by bringing all files you might need in the airport lounge.

Eliminate Noise Distractions with Headphones

Did someone talk during takeoff/landing and break your concentration? Invest in noise-cancelling headphones. Even if you don't disturb your neighbor with music, wearing headphones shuts out most of the cabin noise. A good pair of headphones (or even earplugs) can create a quiet “bubble” around you to focus. In fact, some airlines provide complimentary noise-cancelling headphones for business class customers, but you may prefer your own pair for comfort.

Music can also mentally prepare you for working. Ambient noise or simple music helps your brain associate the sounds with productivity. Listen to relaxing music without words. A quiet mind and peaceful music makes it easier to concentrate on work tasks like reading lengthy reports or writing emails.

Time Tasks Around Meal Service

When possible, schedule big work tasks before meals. You’ll be freshest when the flight begins, so knock out most of your priority tasks then. For international flights, dinner is usually served about 2 hours after takeoff, often when you’re still awake and going strong. Break up projects before boarding by outlining your presentation in the lounge, then attacking it post-takeoff. After dinner (and maybe wine) you'll be ready for downtime. Consider yourself excused. 

Meal service can be a great time to take a break from work. Sleep through dinner if you had a full meal in the airport lounge. Request a “light” or “express” meal from the cabin crew so you don’t waste time eating. Otherwise, time your meal when you want to take a break. Many airlines will even hold dinner service until you’re ready. Post-meal is great for downtime tasks like checking email, signing approvals, or doing quick edits. After that meal and caffeine, give yourself permission to relax (catch a movie, read a book, sleep). You’ve earned it. By scheduling work around food, you’ll finish hard tasks before your focus fades.

Rest Is Also Productive

Remember to rest up while in flight. On overnight business trips, you should actually plan to sleep. On a long flight you should work on the basis of six hours sleep plus waking two hours before landing, plus an hour for meals. That may leave you with only about 5 hours of productive work time! Don’t plan to burn all night on your laptop and arrive refreshed in the morning. Many frequent travelers reserve red-eye flights for sleeping. Take advantage of your comfy lie-flat business-class bed to catch a few Z’s.

Benefits of Business Class Helps You Work

The benefits of flying business class can actually increase your productivity. Beyond the private suites, lie-flat beds, and nicer meals, what else helps you work? Airlines offering business class almost always include more legroom, larger entertainment screens, and bigger tray tables. You finally have an actual workspace instead of clipping your laptop to your knees. 

Nearly every business class cabin also includes power outlets and USB ports at every seat. Once you’ve got your laptop charged in the lounge, you can keep your devices powered all flight. Between priority boarding (grab your seat first) and lounge access everywhere you fly, you can maximize work time and relaxation time. Every perk of business class, really, is designed to make you feel like you’re flying in a “private hotel room.” When you have a workspace and lie-flat bed at your disposal, you can work hard and rest easy.

Book Your Next Business-Class Flight with Help

One last productivity tip: getting a great business-class flight starts before you leave the ground. TravelBusinessClass.com can help you find the optimal seat and price for your next business trip. Our advisors comb the globe looking for deals so you save money, then they help you book the seat that fits your work style. Need a forward-facing window seat? Bulkhead for extra room? Travel Business Class advisors help you “take the stress out of booking” and learn all the perks of your flight beforehand. 

In other words, by letting us plan your trip you’ll relax once you fly, knowing you’ve booked the ideal flight for productive travel.